Nutrition, Good feeding practices and C & G’s recommendations

Want to ensure proper nutrition and hydration for your C & G German Import Rottweiler pup? Try adding warm water to their dry dog food.

One of the main reasons to moisten dry dog food is that it helps prevent dehydration, especially in the summer months. Like humans, many pups may have decreased appetites in the summer. Adding water to dry dog food is an easy way to keep your dog hydrated and healthy.

Other pros of adding water to dry kibble is that it assists in digestion, slows down the rate at which dogs “gobble” up their food, and can stimulate your dog’s appetite by opening up aromas in the kibble, therefore making their dog food more appealing.

Additionally wetting down your dog’s food can help negate bloat by preventing your dog from inhaling water after eating their kibble. Bloat in dogs, also known as Gastric Dilatation Volvulus (GDV), is when the stomach fills with gas and twists (anywhere from 180 degrees to a full 360 degrees). The gas then presses on the diaphragm sometimes making it difficult for the dog to breathe.

Other tricks to negate bloat in dogs:

  • Leave your dogs food bowl on the ground. One traditional misconception regarding bloat has been to raise the height of food and water bowls, but this was found to actually increase risk by 110 percent. An elevated feeder encourages the dog to eat too much too fast. Bowls on the ground are best.

  • Check the ingredient list. Some research shows that it’s not the dry dog food itself that can cause bloat, but the ingredients in the kibble. A food with fat or oil (vegetable or animal) listed in the first four ingredients seems to have a correlation with increasing the risk of bloat. Dry foods containing citric acid, which were moistened prior to feeding, have been found to have a three fold increase in developing bloat. Therefore, it may not be recommended to add water to these types of dry foods.

  • Feed several small meals. Reducing your pups anxiety about when it’s next meal will be by feeding several small meals throughout the day can help in reducing risk of bloat. Not only is your pup physically not eating as much in one sitting, but your pup will also likely be eating at a healthier pace.

These are simple suggestions from C & G intended for educating new dog owners on best feeding practices, and proper nutrition, however please weigh these options carefully in consultation with your veterinarian, and make the decision that is best for you and your loyal canine friend.

TOP LINE PRODUCTS AND PROPER FEEDING TECHNIQUES

If you have decided to add water to your pet’s dry kibble, it is important to consider how to moisten the dry dog food properly. To prevent bloating, moisten the dry dog food with hot water and let it sit for several minutes before presenting it to your pup. C & G German Import Rottweilers uses the following top of the line products for our own dogs:

  • Victor Active Dog & Puppy Formula Grain-Free Dry Dog Food is created using multiple proteins including USA-sourced beef, chicken and pork meals, and replaces grains with peas and sweet potatoes. This is an excellent food for dogs that may have allergies to grains or glutens, and can be fed to dogs of all ages. To find out more information about Victor Active Dog & Puppy Formula Grain- Free Dry Dog food, including where the food can be purchased. Click the link above.

  • Royal Canin Rottweiler Adult Dry Dog Food - This Royal Canin formula is designed exclusively for purebred Rottweilers over 18 months old. It includes taurine, EPA and DHA for healthy cardiac function, along with L-Carnitine and an appropriate protein content to maintain muscle mass. To find out more information about Royal Canin Rottweiler Adult Dry Dog Food, including where the food may be purchased, click the link above.

  • Royal Canin Rottweiler Puppy Dry Dog Food - Can be fed to puppies up to 18 months old. This customized puppy food has an exclusive kibble shape that was made just for the broad muzzle of the Rottweiler, helping your Rottie pup to pick up his food with more ease. It is recommended to switch to Royal Canin Rottweiler specific adult dry food after 18 months. To find out more information about Royal Canin Rottweiler Puppy Dry Dog Food, including where the food may be purchased, click the link above.

  • NuPro -A totally holistic product, NuPro is an All-In-One daily supplement for all breeds and all ages. Made with all natural ingredients NuPro will provide your dog with their full range of vitamins, minerals, enzymes, amino acids, and essential omega fatty acids.